Copper Canyon
The Railfan Trip
East and westbound first-class trains meeting
Next scheduled trips:
November 14-21, 2010
OR, when you want it! email us with YOUR desired schedule
If you love trains and train travel, or great scenery, photography, culture, history, etc, etc, this is the trip for you!
Extra time on one of the world's great and scenic rail journeys, the Chihuahua al Pacifico railway. Great train photo opportunities (including our exclusive stop at Temoris), train drive-bys and more train history, too.
If you have been waiting for the right trip to see the Copper Canyon and experience the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad, your train has arrived.
To make a reservation or for more information:
Click here to send us an email
"Les, your Rail Fan trip was the perfect blend of adventure and comfort.
I've always stayed away from escorted tours, but your small groups and your flexibility ensured that there was never a risk of feeling like a sheep being driven to the next holding pen!
This trip completely changed my opinion of travel in Mexico, too, because we were able to meet with local people in an unspoiled part of the country.
Thank you, and be assured I will travel with you again!"
Karen from San Francisco, California
Copper Canyon Adventures
Railfan trip
Itinerary
Day 1:
You will be met at the airport in Los Mochis and taken to colonial El Fuerte, about 1 1/2 hours away via a good road. El Fuerte is still a city where you can still see old Mexico at every turn.You will be welcome at the Hotel El Fuerte, a fine colonial hotel only a block from the heart of El Fuerte. Personal and attentive, the Hotel El Fuerte prides itself on treating each guest like family-—you will enjoy their personal service and attention to detail.
Central Plaza, El Fuerte
To complement this wonderful hotel, take a stroll after dinner to the "Plazuela" of El Fuerte, a short distance away. This wonderfully maintained central plaza is indicative of both the pride of El Fuerte’s citizens and the richness of their history.
Welcome to Mexico--enjoy!
Lodging: Hotel El Fuerte
Meals included: Dinner
NOTE: CAN ALSO BE MODIFIED TO START AND END IN EL PASO OR CHIHUAHUA, IF DESIRED! PLEASE INQUIRE FOR MORE DETAILS AND PRICING
Day 2:
The Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad to Temoris.
You ride the Copper Canyon train after breakfast today, enjoying tremendous views from reserved seats on one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The area around Temoris, with its amazing loops, climbs and waterfall, is especially impressive. Be sure to bring lots of film!
The triple loops at Temoris (from the top loop)
You spend tonight in Temoris, a mountain town that boasts a fabulous overlook of the famous railroad loops--certainly one of the most spectacular engineering feats on a railroad full of amazing achievements--the train even goes under a river feeding a dramatic waterfall!
Temoris station and loops from overlook
On your arrival in Temoris, you will enjoy lunch, then take a trip to this overlook to await the arrival of the first-class train heading west. The photo opportunities here, and the chance to enjoy this great spot and the town of Temoris itself, are a CCA exclusive.
Lodging: Hotel Del Sol
Meals included: Breakfast/lunch/dinner (BLD)
CCA clients enjoying the ride from the engine
Day 3:
The Chihuahua al Pacifico train to Areponapuchi
Your destination today is Posada Barrancas, the station serving "Arepo", a small community located near the rim of the Copper Canyon. You will enjoy lunch on the train, with some of the best rail scenery in the world outside your window.
On arrival, you will be taken to the Mansion Tarahumara, your lodging for the next two nights.
Unique in architecture and style, your rooms at the Mansion Tarahumara are right on the canyon rim! With cozy rooms and great views,the Mansion Tarahumara will be a memorable part of your Copper Canyon adventure.
Dinner and drinks will be at the hotel.
Lodging: Hotel Mansion Tarahumara
Meals included: BLD
The intersection of three canyons: Tararecua, Copper and Urique
Day 4:
After breakfast, you will take an excursion to several nearby canyon rim overlooks—or, if you wish, simply enjoy the rim from your balcony!
After lunch, you will return to Divisadero, a nearby train station that bustles with activity when the passenger trains arrive. Watching the station come to life is a memorable experience, as is the view of the canyon from the nearby overlook.
Divisadero station with second-class train
Marking the halfway point between Chihuahua and Los Mochis, Divisadero is the most well-known station on the railroad, as trains always stop here for fifteen minutes to let passengers enjoy the view of the canyon and great Raramuri Indian handicraft shopping....You, however, can stay, linger and enjoy the location without being hurried to get back aboard. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Lodging: Hotel Mansion Tarahumara
Meals included: BLD
Day 5:
You have the morning free to enjoy the nearby canyon rim for walks, horseback rides or pure relaxation.. After lunch you will catch the train for Bahuichivo, the station serving Cerocahui, your next stop.
On the way, you will see what remains of one of the largest of the constructions camps for the railroad, located near Cuiteco.
Once at Bahuichivo, you will be met by the staff of the Paraiso del Oso Lodge, your accommodations for the next two nights.
Inner courtyard at the Oso (courtesy Wendy Spangler)
With comfortable rooms in a tranquil mountain setting, we are sure you will enjoy the "Oso". Dinner will likely be Chihuahua "discada" style--a unique feature here. Also--try the industrial strength margaritas, if you like!
Lodging: Hotel Paraiso del Oso
Meals included: BLD
Day 6:
Today you take another special excursion, this one to view the bottom of the second deepest canyon in North America (even deeper than the Grand Canyon). On the way, you will stop at one of the prettiest churches in the Sierra--in Cerocahui. Not only beautiful, this church has an interesting Asian connection...
After Cerocahui, you will climb to the canyon rim, enjoying views of Raramuri Indian homesteads along the way, ending at the perhaps the best of all canyon rim overlooks--Cerro Gallegos.
Cerro Gallegos overlook
Lunch will be on the rim, and after, a chance to explore the area. We will then retrace our route back to Cerocahui, once again marveling at the views found along this road.
We will return to the lodge in time to clean up and relax a bit before dinner, where you will have another chance to enjoy the fellowship and conversation that only a campfire can help create.
Lodging: Hotel Paraiso del Oso
Meals included: BLD
Day 7:
Canyon and Railroad.You will have the morning free to enjoy the canyon atmosphere and have lunch before leaving on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad for your trip back to El Fuerte. The timing of your return trip should provide some great photo opportunities, as you will be seeing the most dramatic part of the trip in the late-afternoon sun.
Railroad inaugural sign above Temoris (built on railroad ties!)
Your farewell dinner and lodging will be at the beautiful Hotel El Fuerte—your home away from home in Copper Canyon country.
Lodging: Hotel El Fuerte
Meals included: BLD
Day 8:
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport in Los Mochis, where our representatives will assist you in checking in for your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Thanks for traveling with Copper Canyon Adventures!
Trip Price Includes:
The services of a personal bilingual guide for the entire trip,
Round-trip first-class travel on multiple segments of the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad, considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world,All lodging,
All meals as noted,
All excursions (including the exclusive overnight visit to Temoris, the half-day canyon rim and cultural excursion in Areponapuchi and the half-day excursion to Cerocahui and Cerro Gallegos).
All airport/train/hotel transfers upon your arrival in Los Mochis, and
A detailed trip information package with maps and supporting documentation.
Trip Prices:
Accompanied by a personal bilingual guide throughout the trip:
For one person: $2150, single occupancy (includes single supplement)
Two persons: $1745 per person, double occupancy.
Three persons: $1595 per person, triple occupancy.
Four persons: $1495 per person, double occupancy.
Six persons: $1395 per person, double occupancy.
(discounts are available for groups larger than six persons--please inquire)
Single supplement, if you want your own room during the trip: $225
Independent (unguided) trips also available on request
Not included in trip price:
Airfare to and from Los Mochis, Mexico (airport code LMM), where the trip begins,
(our US representative, Earl Fox at Travel Trek, can often find you some great deals—we recommend calling him at
1-719-687-3053 (during normal business hours, mountain standard time).
Tips for trip guide, drivers, waitresses, hotel staff, etc. (can be included at your request for convenience sake)
Personal purchases such as souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks and alcoholic beverages.
Mexico tourist card ($22 per person; normally included in the price of your airline ticket).
